Dual-Mode Cordless

The new Netgear Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype combines the convenience of a land-line telephone with the ability to make inexpensive long-distance calls using the Internet. The phone is plugged into a phone jack (for land-line calls) and a high-speed Internet modem/router. Its Internet calling capabilities offer free unlimited long-distance calls to recipients anywhere in the world who have downloaded Skype software to receive Internet-based calls through a computer. However, for $14.95 a year, Skype (www.skype.com), which was purchased by eBay for $4.1 billion in 2005, offers unlimited long-distance calls to traditional phone lines throughout the U.S. and Canada. International calls cost as little as $0.02/min.

The wireless phone's handset incorporates a built-in speakerphone and a color display. Its base station will support up to four additional handsets, which must be purchased separately. The suggested retail price is $199.99. Contact Netgear Inc., Dept. FIN, 4500 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA 95054, 408/907-8000, visit www.netgear.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 150.